Colorado.com
6 Days
Exploring Denver & Cities of the Rockies
Colorado.com
 
Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages — yes, that’s you, moms and dads. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games — or just hop in the car and go!
 
During this trip through Denver & Cities of the Rockies, kids will experience the Front Range region like never before. From airplanes and first responders to dinos and modern-day farms, there's plenty of educational fun to be had!
 
Grab Your Supplies

Things To Bring

While all that is truly needed is your kids' sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy.

Day 1

activity

Come Fly with Me: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Located in the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base, Wings over Rockies is housed in a historical hangar built in 1939 and features dozens of historic…

Educational Activity

Come Fly with Me

Learn about flight, airplane design and the principles of aerodynamics while making paper airplanes at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Get activity.

lunch

Lowry Beer Garden

Just a few steps from the museum is Lowry Beer Garden, one of the area’s hidden gems. Situated on an old U.S. Air Force base, the kiddos will have plenty…

Itinerary Tip

Take Flight

Across from Lowry Beer Garden is Rocket Ice Cream, a small ice-cream stand with a large rocket perched atop the building — you can’t miss it! The location offers homemade vegan and traditional dairy ice creams, along with a vast selection of flavors that’s guaranteed to suit the pickiest of eaters.

activity

Safety First: Denver Firefighters Museum

Housed in a 1909 firehouse, the Denver Firefighters Museum shares the rich history of the Denver Fire Department and firefighting in Colorado through…

Educational Activity

Safety First

Test your home fire-safety knowledge after a trip to the Denver Firefighters Museum. Get activity.

dinner

Officers Club Dinner

Celebrate the history of the Lowry Air Force base at Officers Club, which serves up classic American fare. The family can sit back and relax in one…

activity

Explore the History Colorado Center

Kids and parents alike will enjoy the engaging and hands-on exhibits that connect visitors to Colorado’s history and heritage.

Extra Credit

Curator for a Day

What type of art would you choose to have in your home? Spend some time at the Denver Art Museum choosing. (Admission is free for everyone 18 and under!) Get extra credit activity.

lodging

Snooze at The Curtis

Waking up is more fun when you get a call from a celebrity impersonator at The Curtis, a unique hotel where the experience is anything but ordinary…

Day 2

breakfast

Chow Down at The Cow an Eatery

Loved by local hikers and cyclists, The Cow is the perfect place to stop and fuel up before the day’s adventure. Kids will love the Cinnamonster, a…

Itinerary Tip

Head to Morrison

From Denver, drive west towards the mountains and the charming town of Morrison.

activity

Dinosaur Tracker: Dinosaur Ridge

Tread upon the stomping grounds of some of the world’s most notorious dinosaurs. Dinosaur Ridge has more than 300 preserved dinosaur footprints. Informational…

Educational Activity

Dinosaur Tracker

Pretend you're a paleontologist and compare dinosaur footprints during your tour of Dinosaur Ridge. Observe and record what paleontologists have discovered at this world-class site. Get activity.

Itinerary Tip

Mosey on Over to Golden

Your next stop is the welcoming city of Golden.

lunch

Dine on Local Delights at Bridgewater Grill

After a dinosaur-filled afternoon, dine creekside with the family at Bridgewater Grill. The restaurant focuses on Colorado Proud ingredients and sources…

Itinerary Tip

It's Electric!

If you roll in with an electric vehicle, the grill offers a complimentary charging station to power up for the next leg of your adventure.

activity

The Wild, Wild West: The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

The museum illustrates the life, times and legend of William F. Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill. It includes exhibits about Buffalo Bill's life and…

Educational Activity

The Wild, Wild West

Explore the life of William Cody and compare it to your own during a trip to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. Get activity.

dinner

Rustle Up Some Grub at Woody's Wood Fired Pizza & Watering Hole

Locally owned and operated for nearly three decades, Woody’s knows a thing or two about pizza. This spot is the perfect place to please all members…

activity

Golden History Museum and Park

Photographs, memorabilia and artifacts rely on the unique stories of Golden and the city’s inhabitants at the museum. Kids will enjoy exploring the…

lodging

Dino Dreams at Origin Hotel Red Rocks

Stay at the Official Hotel of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This modern hotel has several amenities that you and your kids can enjoy — including…

Trivia

Trivia Activity

How much do the kiddos remember about the day's explorations? Test their memories with a couple of questions. Get trivia.

Day 3

breakfast

Breakfast in The Buff

Dubbed by many as one of the best breakfast spots in Boulder, The Buff's menu has something to please everyone in your fam. The restaurant has an excellent…

Itinerary Tip

Book it to Boulder

Drive to Boulder for your next adventure-filled day.

activity

Creative Learning: Museum of Boulder

Explore Boulder’s unique history while discovering its connections to the present and inspirations for the future. Kids will love spending time in the…

Educational Activity

Scavenger Hunt

Get ready to see the Boulder Museum through new eyes while on a hunt to discover artifacts that you may normally overlook. Get activity.

lunch

Sup at The Sink

After spending an afternoon getting to know Boulder’s unique history, head over to The Sink to get a taste of the city’s culture. The restaurant has…

activity

Nature Walk: Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park, established in 1898, provides families with easy access to trails, open spaces for kids to interact with nature, a playground and a…

Educational Activity

Barking up the Right Tree

Get up close and personal with the trees at Chautauqua Park. Get activity.

Extra Credit

Remembering Boulder

As you make your way to Longmont, have your kids create an acrostic poem to remember your trip. Get activity.

dinner

Pull Up a Plate at The Post Brewing Co.

Dig into delicious comfort food that’s as good as grandma’s cookin’ at the Post Brewing Co. This Longmont staple is sure to please your entire crew,…

activity

Explore Sunflower Farm

Kids will delight in feeding farm animals, brushing the llamas and playing in the corn house. If you want the deluxe experience, you can even participate…

lodging

Home2 Suites by Hilton Longmont

After a fun-filled day, relax by the hotel’s pool while the kids make a splash. When you’re ready to retreat back to your room, the kiddos can have…

Day 4

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breakfast

Cavegirl Coffeehouse

Cavegirl Coffeehouse is Longmont’s premier clean-drinking, clean-eating, gluten-free Coffeehouse with a modern and healthy flair.

Itinerary Tip

Head Toward Estes Park

Make your way to Estes Park with a stop for some scholarly shenanigans in Lyons.

activity

Artifact Exploration: Lyons Redstone Museum

Lyons Redstone Museum, located in the old schoolhouse built in 1881, preserves the history of the town of Lyons. Historically a sandstone quarrying…

Educational Activity

ArtiFACTs

Dive into the history of Lyons by carefully examining artifacts at the Lyons Redstone Museum. Get activity.

Itinerary Tip

Playground Time!

Kids will enjoy the playground at LaVern Johnson Park and access to the nearby creek.

lunch

Lunch at Latitude 105 Alehouse

This alehouse serves up regionally sourced, Colorado-themed fare with generous portions for all. Upon arrival, your kids will be greeted with a coloring…

activity

Care for Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. This protected, 415-square-mile park provides visitors with…

Educational Activity

Care for Colorado

Explore the Care for Colorado Principles by completing an age-appropriate word search. Get activity.

dinner

Elevated & Kid-Friendly Fare at Rock Inn's Mountain Tavern

The Rock Inn’s Mountain Tavern is a staple in Estes Park. With several options for the kids to choose from on the menu, the restaurant offers dishes…

activity

Shopping Along Main Street in Estes Park

Kids will enjoy a stop at the taffy shop, ice cream parlour and candy stores that dot the streets along with looking at all the cool souvenirs.

lodging

Rest Your Heads at The Ridgeline Hotel

There’s no shortage of things to do at the Ridgeline Hotel. From the heated indoor pool to a fully stocked game room, where you can even play giant…

Day 5

breakfast

Start the Day at Taste Local

Supercharge your morning with gourmet breakfast selections, along with some downhome favorites at Taste Local. Make sure to grab a table (or a couch…

Itinerary Tip

Head to Fort Collins

Cruise to Fort Collins, with a stop in Loveland along the way.

activity

I Spy: Benson Sculpture Garden

The Benson Sculpture Garden showcases more than 170 sculptures in a beautiful and unique outdoor setting where kids will feel like they're in a magical…

Educational Activity

I Spy

Hone your sleuthing skills by playing a game of I Spy at the Benson Sculpture Garden. Get activity.

Itinerary Tip

Lock in Your Love

Purchase an engraved lock at the Loveland Visitor Center and head over to the largest love-lock sculpture of its kind in the country! Here, you and your family will be able to choose a special place for your one-of-a-kind lock.

lunch

Extra! Extra! Read All About Lunch at The Pizza Press

Located in one of Fort Collins’ liveliest open-air markets, The Pizza Press makes eating pizza fun for the whole family. Inspired by the Roaring '20s…

activity

Farm Favorites: The Farm at Lee Martinez Park

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park provides interactive, hands-on farm fun and is an adventure for all ages. Activities and attractions include a museum…

Educational Activity

Farm Favorites

From farming equipment to farm animals, kids and adults will experience farm life at the Farm at Lee Martinez Park. Farm favorites will provide an opportunity to discover what each person likes the best. Get activity.

dinner

Diner-Style Dinner

What better way to wrap up a day than on one of Fort Collins’ best patios? Here you’ll find mouthwatering comfort foods served against some of the best…

activity

Fun Times at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery blends science, history and culture into an interactive and engaging museum that literally offers the best of all worlds…

lodging

Catch Some Z's at The Armstrong Hotel

This boutique hotel is perfect for its location right in the heart of Fort Collins. You’ll be able to take a quick stroll to and from most places with…

Extra Credit

Word Jumble

Try to unscramble vocabulary from the day's adventures. Get extra credit activity.

Day 6

breakfast

Breakfast at Butters Greeley

Time to get your breakfast on! This locals' favorite serves up all of the breakfast classics, and kids' menu items are just under six bucks. The restaurant…

activity

It’s All in the Details: Colorado Model Railroad Museum

The Colorado Railroad Museum houses America's most scenic model railroad and the only one in the world that operates like a real railroad for the public…

Educational Activity

It’s All in the Details

The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a magical place that transports the visitor to a world of model trains and their landscapes. Which details will you be amazed by? Get activity.

Itinerary Tip

One Bushel for the Road

As you head toward Aurora, stop by one of the many farms in Brighton to pick up fresh fruits for the ride.

lunch

Belly Up to the Burger Bar Sam's No. 3

With more than 100 food items to choose from, there’s something on the menu for everyone including members of the fam whose tastes may lean toward french…

activity

Discovering Your Senses: Morrison Nature Center

Morrison Nature Center is a hidden treasure with many trails that are filled with plants and animals.

Educational Activity

Discovering Your Senses

Explore the Morrison Nature Center using your five senses during a short hike. Get activity.

Extra Credit

Compare and Contrast

Want to spend more time at the Morrison Nature Center and keep exploring? Check out the extra credit activity.

dinner

Taco Time at Taqueria Corona

With recipes that go back generations, Taqueria Corona is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Aurora with a menu full of authentic classics. The…

activity

Expand your Cooking Skills With a Class at Create Cooking School

Budding chefs will love the Create Kids cooking classes at Create Cooking School located in the Stanley Marketplace.

Itinerary Tip

Continue the Culinary Exploration With Taiyaki Ice Cream

Head over to Snowl for an insta-worthy nutella-filled, fish-shaped cone topped with ice cream. It sounds like a mouthful but we promise it tastes as good as it looks.

lodging

A Final Fun-Filled Night at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

With indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river and a variety of lawn games and screened movies, staying at the Gaylord Rockies is a vacation in itself…